Jesse has lived all over the country, from growing up in his original home in Raleigh, NC, to his formative years in Texas and Colorado. He attended high school and then college at TCU in Fort Worth. Jesse studied graphic design and photography. After graduating, he moved from the edge of West Texas to the beautiful mountains of Vail, Colorado. He began working for a boutique design agency focused on the resort industry that allowed workers to come in late on powder days as long as their work was finished. After years as a photographer and designer producing marketing materials for real estate firms, it was time to come full circle.

Jesse’s interest in real estate came to fruition when he listed and sold his parents’ home “for sale by owner.” He wasn’t an agent at the time but wishes he had been! Jesse realized they could have gotten WAY more for their home had they used an agent, not to mention the headaches of not knowing what they didn’t know. Actively researching comps, taking new photos, writing better copy, and marketing the property in a more detailed way attracted attention quickly – they were under contract in less than 30 days. Jesse learned a lot about seniors needing to downsize from “forever” homes to a more manageable size in a thriving yet small community like Weaverville. As this was a new experience for him, Jesse can equally help first-time homebuyers through the process of finding the right home.

In his free time, you can find Jesse exploring the many dining options in the region, as well as all the outdoor activities that come with living here: foraging, hiking, flyfishing, and camping. He is an avid collector of vintage spirits like pre-prohibition Bourbons and Amaro from the mid-century. This love affair began while working with the vast liquor and wine collection at the world-renowned resort, Blackberry Farm, before moving to Asheville nine years ago. Upon moving here, Jesse helped usher in the craft cocktail and fine dining scene Asheville is now known for. He continues to be connected to those friends in the hospitality community. Jesse would be happy to recommend a restaurant or drinking establishment you haven’t tried, so please don’t hesitate to ask.

His weeknights are now full of boy scouts, soccer practice, and afterschool activities with his sons. Jesse’s goal this year is to get into cycling even half as much as his team is here at Looking Glass Realty!

All the best,

Jesse Ratliff